We all live hectic lifestyles nowadays, with the pressures of being constantly connected and being always on-the-go. What better way to take a welcome break from our fast-paced lives than to take a journey through Ireland’s rich history and nature with National Heritage Week, taking place acrossIreland from August 12 th – 20 th.
Ballyhoura Country is marking National Heritage Week with a jam-packed schedule of free events taking place throughout the region between August 14 th – 19 th , which will offer fascinating glimpses of times past and a host of captivating experiences.
Highlights of the week-long event will include bilingual storytelling sessions, craft fairs and
blacksmithing demonstrations, along with historical tours, insect walks and open days at enchanting cottages. Heritage Week will also feature highly anticipated talks by renowned storyteller and Seanchaí Eddie Lenihan and celebrated writer Manchán Magan.
With a full programme of enticing events, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy and make lasting memories exploring the wonders of the past and the beauty of the present.
Insect Walk in Doneraile Park
13 th August, 3-5pm Doneraile Wildlife Park, Co. Cork
Explore the diverse habitats at an enthralling Insect Walk at Doneraile Wildlife Park, guided by knowledgeable insect specialist, John O’Sullivan. The park, which supports a wide variety of insect species, offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the importance of insects in our ecosystem and appreciate the wonders of nature on our doorstep.
https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/insect-walk-in-doneraile-park
Lecture on the History of the Ryan Clan
14 th August, 8-9.15pm Cappamore Community Centre, Portnard,
Cappamore, Co. Limerick
Hosted by the Cappamore Historical Society, this captivating lecture will delve into the history of the Ryan Clan between 1200 and 1700, exploring their place in medieval Ireland. The lecture will be presented by Derek Ryan, chairperson of the Arra Historical and Archaeology Society, and will provide valuable insights into the intriguing history of this renowned Irish clan.
https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/lecture
Knockderk – A Storied Hill in the Lough Gur District
14 th August, 7.30-8.30pm Lough Gur Visitors’ Centre, Lough Gur, Bruff, Co.
Limerick, V35 ED96
Local historian and tour guide Brian Collopy will explore Knockderk, a hill located close to the renowned Lough Gur in Co. Limerick. The story of Knockderk stretches back into deep prehistory, with evidence of human activity beginning in the Neolithic period. Of interest to geologists,botanists and folklorists, and for anyone interested in our past, and our links with the landscape, all aspects of Knockderk will be explored in this free talk.
https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/knockderk-a-storied-hill-in-the-lough-gur-district
The Book of Kells: ‘Up Close and Personal’
14 th -19 th August, 7-8.30pm St. John’s Church, Knockainey, Co. Limerick, V35 HA89
Enjoy this unforgettable ‘up close and personal’ guided tour of the Book of Kells, the greatest
masterpiece of Ireland’s Golden Age. Donncha MacGabhann, MA, PhD, will share his expertise using the Verlag Facsimile, an exact and complete copy of the ancient manuscript. This interactive experience allows visitors to explore and understand the intricate details of the Book of Kells in an immersive manner, offering a unique opportunity to get closer to the beauty and significance of one of Ireland’s most treasured historical artefacts.
These events are ideal for individuals, small groups (4-5) or families, and are organised inconjunction with the Knockainey Historical and Conservation Society. To reserve places, contact donnmacgabhann@gmail.com. For more information, visit
https://www.sidestone.com/books/?q=book+of+kells.
https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/the-book-of-kells-up-close-and-personal
Busy Bees Children’s Honeybee Workshop
16 th August, 11.15-12pm Lough Gur Visitors’ Centre, Lough Gur, Bruff, Co.
Limerick, V35 ED96
Aimed at children aged between 6 and 10, the Busy Bees Children’s Honeybee Workshop is an interactive workshop, giving children an introduction to our native honeybee and highlighting their importance as a pollinator and keystone species in the Irish ecosystem. Children will have the opportunity to see Lough Gur’s honey bee hives, and will have the chance to plant their very own bee-friendly flowers!
https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/busy-bees-childrens-honeybee-workshop
Stories of the Good People with Eddie Lenihan
17 th August, 4-5pm Lough Gur Visitors’ Centre, Lough Gur, Bruff, Co.
Limerick, V35 ED96
Master storyteller and Seanchaí Eddie Lenihan is renowned for his knowledge of myth, folklore and most especially for those tales pertaining to the Good People. Having spent a lifetime gathering these tales and stories from the ordinary people of Ireland, Eddie comes to Lough Gur to share these extraordinary tales in this fascinating talk.
https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/stories-of-the-good-people-with-eddie-lenihan
Listening to the Land at Lough Gur – A talk by Manchán Magan
18 th August, 2-3pm Lough Gur Visitors’ Centre, Lough Gur, Bruff, Co.
Limerick, V35 ED96
Manchán Magan is one of Ireland’s leading explorers of landscape, with deeply immersive and insightful writings which offer readers real moments of revelatory understanding. His most recent work, Listen to the Land Speak, delves into the richness and complexity of the land, and our relationship to it. As an archaeologically rich and ancient place, Lough Gur features prominently in this work. The region around Lough Gur has long been associated with Áine, an ancient land
goddess, and Manchán’s work offers fresh insight into this complex deity whose name has echoed around these hillsides for countless generations.
Lough Gur is delighted to welcome Manchán to the Visitor Centre as part of Heritage Week 2023 for what promises to be an insightful and fascinating talk, as he shares his wisdom and stories on the shores of this celebrated lake.
www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/listening-to-the-land-at-lough-gur
Blacksmithing Demonstration
19 th August, 10am-4pm Cappamore, Co. Limerick
Experience one of Ireland’s traditional skills and delve into Ireland’s Blacksmithing heritage at the Cappamore show, where resident master blacksmith, Eric O’Neill, will be hosting a captivating Blacksmithing Demonstration. Learn about the country’s rich history of blacksmithing and its applications, and witness this skilful craft first-hand.
For those who are interested in delving even deeper, a free introduction to Blacksmithing week will be offered at the College of Further Education and Training, Cappamore Campus between August 14 th -17 th , 9am-2pm. Places for this introduction are limited to seven students, and those interested can register here: https://www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder?sfcw-courseId=402725
https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/blacksmithing-demonstration
Bilingual Storytelling in Cantonese and English at St. Brigid’s Cross
19 th August, 11-11.45am Mitchelstown Library, Co. Cork
Enjoy an unmissable opportunity to celebrate the story of St. Brigid’s Day, which symbolises the onset of Spring, in a different way, with a bilingual storytelling session at Mitchelstown Library. Told in both Cantonese and English, this event will narrate the intriguing tale of St. Brigid and unravel the narrative surrounding the Brigid’s Cross.
After the storytelling session, visitors can craft their own St. Brigid’s Cross using natural materials at this unique cultural experience.
https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/bilingual-storytelling-st-brigids-cross-in-cantonese-
english-2
Barn Owls of Ballyhoura
20 th August, 10am-1pm Griston Bog, Ballylanders, Co. Limerick
Discover the importance of Barn Owls in Ireland’s habitats during this educational event. As well as learning about the role of Barn Owls in Irish ecosystems, visitors will also be able to take part in a fun orienteering exercise, become a ‘citizen scientist’ by examining pond samples, and enjoy a ‘quiet corner’ colouring station in the bird hide.
Importantly, this event contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 13 and 15, promoting life on land and climate action.
https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/Event/barn-owls-of-ballyhoura-heritage-week-2023
Open Days at Killee Cottage and Anne’s Grove Miniature Castle
20 th August, 10am – 4pm Killee Cottage, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork and
Anne’s Grove Miniature Castle, Castletownroche, Co. Cork
Wonder at the remarkable preservation efforts of the Irish Landmark Trust at two open days events at Killee Cottage in Mitchelstown and Anne’s Grove Miniature Castle in Castletownroche.
Experience the charm of the beautiful Killee Cottage, as you wander through the serene 19 the century dwelling which has been converted into a vacation retreat.
Enjoy a self-guided tour of Anne’s Grove Miniature Castle, and marvel at this beautifully restored 19 th -century miniature castle, which has now been beautifully restored and transformed into holiday accommodation.
Admission for both events is complimentary, but there are limited spaces available, so be sure to register early for a free ticket to secure your spot.
https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/open-day-at-killee-cottage-mitchelstown
https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/open-day-at-annes-grove-miniature-castle
Tours of Castlegarde Castle, Co. Limerick
Every day from 12 th -20 th August, Castlegarde Castle, Castlegarde, Co. Limerick
10.30am-5pm V94 E2FF
This series of daily tours are being run in association with Historic Houses of Ireland. Take a step back in time at Castlegarde Castle, Ireland’s oldest continually inhabited castle, which dates back to the 1190s. Discover the fascinating history of this stunning castle, from the reign of Donal Mór O’Brien, King of Thomond, to the gothic-style extension by the Pain Brothers in the 1800s. With a well, moat and bawn wall (and a resident ghost, the Lady in Silk!), Castlegarde Castle holds many captivating stories that are sure to entertain visitors throughout Heritage Week.https://www.heritageweek.ie/event-listings/tours-of-castlegarde-castle-co-limerick-in-association-with-historic-houses-of-ireland
Tickets for the calendar of events and activities taking place during Ballyhoura Heritage Week 2023
can be reserved via Eventbrite.
Kilmallock Heritage Week
In addition, Kilmallock is hosting a Heritage Week in Medieval Kilmallock, with a range of activities planned in the area between the 14 th and 19 th August. These include:
Unveiling of Information Panel on the Work House and Famine
14 th August, 7pm Famine Memorial Park, Kilmallock
This event marks the unveiling of the information panel on the Work House and Famine in the Famine Memorial Park by Cllr. Michael Donegal, MCC Chairman of Kilmallock & Cappamore District. The unveiling will be followed by a talk on the WorkHouse, given by local historian Noel Collins.
Ecological & Biodiversity Survey presentation
15 th August, 7pm Deebert House Hotel, Kilmallock
Dr. Tom Harrington will give an interesting presentation on the Ecological and Biodiversity survey of Kilmallock at this evening event.
Walk and Talk on Medieval Kilmallock
16 th August, 7pm Kilmallock
Sarah McCutcheon, Senior Archaeologist with Limerick City & County Council will lead an
educational walk and talk on Medieval Kilmallock. Meeting place for this event is at the car park at Kings Castle.
Walk and Talk on Birds and Wildlife
17 th August, 7pm Kilmallock
Explore the local birds and wildlife in the Kilmallock area at this walk and talk event. Meeting place for the evening is at North Bridge.
Songs with Niamh Egan and Friends
18 th August, 7pm Dominican Priory, Kilmallock
Enjoy an evening of music and song in the company of Niamh Egan and Friends at the Dominican Priory in Kilmallock (weather permitting). Niamh is the Choirmaster of the local choir in Kilmallock.
Family Treasure Hunt
19 th August, 7pm Kilmallock
An fun activity for all the family to enjoy, the Family Treasure Hunt will take place in Kilmallock. Meeting place for this event is at the car park at the rear of Kings Castle.
For further details n the Kilmallock Heritage Week events, contact Sinead Loftus at Kilmallock
Tourism at Tel : 087-278 4601 or e-mail sinlof23@gmail.com.
